Solar Power Supporters Face Long Odds

It looks like an uphill climb for proponents of solar power in Maine.

Maine solar power advocates face long odds as they work to convince enough Republican lawmakers to switch their votes and override an almost-certain veto of a high-profile solar bill.

Advocates say they are six votes short in the House and five votes short in the Senate for a required two-thirds majority needed to override a veto. The Legislature will vote the issue on April 29 when it reconvenes.

Gov. Paul LePage in a radio interview said he would not sign the bill because rate payers are being "bamboozled" by solar installers.

Opponents say the bill would benefit homeowners who can afford to invest in solar panels while raising rates for everyone else. Proponents say the bill will lower electric bills for all ratepayers in the long term.